Renovating

New paint colours find diverse inspiration

From Safaris to PacMan and Santa Fe desert, the collection is made to mix and match

Earthen tones are the keys elements of what's being called Safari Escape.

Photograph by: Handout photo
, Vancouver Sun

BEHR paints has unveiled its new colour trends for 2012 - shades that draw their inspiration from everything from safaris to PacMan to the desert of Santa Fe.

The 20 colours, to be available at Home Depot stores this fall, will be found in four categories: Retro Recall, Safari Escape, Tea Party and Santa Fe Today.

Nancy Bollefer, BEHR's Canadian marketing manager, offers an overview on the colours' inspirations:

- SANTA FE TODAY

"This design trend originated in the southwest," she says. "The colours in this palette are rich and complex and represent the terrain or the geography of the southwest, yet the trend doesn't feel too regional or New Mexican this time."

Think succulent plants, says Bollefer, as well as birchwood, pottery, cowhides, and anthropological elements such as primitive bowls. Colours include Stagecoach, Lone Star and Prairie Poppy.

- RETRO RECALL

"This movement will resonate with the demographic who remember playing PacMan, Space Invaders or Pong," Bollefer says. "This palette feels action-oriented and the BEHR colour names were inspired by the design trend: LOL Yellow, Red Wire, Reboot, Level Up and Game Over."

- SAFARI ESCAPE

"Influenced by African artifacts and global design, we've translated Safari Escape into a bedroom refuge where one can be carried away," Bollefer notes. "Earthen colours such as BEHR Compass, Jackal and Livingstone represent this gorgeous neutral palette."

- TEA PARTY

"This trend isn't overly sweet, but it is feminine without going as far as being romantic," says Bollefer. "This ethereal palette is represented by BEHR's Queen's Tart, Violet Water, Minty Frosting, Sugar Pool and First Peach."

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